Four men connected to two fleeing attempts last week have been arrested after Pine Bluff police conducted surveillance at a residence, the police department announced Sunday evening.
Bralen Whaley is accused of first-degree battery, terroristic act, engaging in criminal group activity and engaging in a criminal gang. Ta’couri McKenzie is accused of first-degree battery, terroristic act, gang activity, prohibited weapon and Machine Gun Act violation.
These two men could face charges in connection with a shooting in the area of Blake Street at about 12:33 a.m. March 29. Police said a silver/white Dodge Charger was traveling at a high rate of speed and attempted a traffic stop, but the vehicle fled onto West 28th Avenue and Taft Street before it wrecked.
Occupants in a green Dodge Challenger connected to that incident were being treated for non-life-threatening injuries. Police say victims reported being shot by occupants in the Charger near 101 N. Blake St.
That incident resulted in the March 31 arrests of Kristopher Walters and Cylon Bead, both 19. They are accused of terroristic act, first-degree battery and felony fleeing.
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Bead and Walters are also held in the W.C. “Dub” Brassell Detention Center on suspicion of committing capital murder, two counts of first-degree battery, engaging in criminal group activity, and engaging in a criminal gang, organization or enterprise in connection with the Feb. 20 shooting death of Markeise Gipson at Two Brothers One Stop, 2215 S. Blake St.
Members of Pine Bluff police’s Violent Crimes Apprehension Team, or VCAT, surveilled the 500 block of Talbot Street on April 1. According to an online news release, a suspect later identified as Whaley was observed handling a large rifle. Officers reportedly attempted a traffic stop, which led to a pursuit. The driver, identified as Keontae Davis, reportedly fled back to the residence where multiple individuals were detained.
Davis is accused of gang activity, felony fleeing and Machine Gun Act violation. Xzaveion Reed is accused of first-degree battery, terroristic act, prohibited weapon and Machine Gun Act violation.
Police say all six men were identified as members of the HOG, or Hop Out Gang.
Police reportedly recovered three firearms including two AR-style pistols, both equipped with switches converting them to automatic weapons, and a Glock handgun equipped with a switch (fully automatic), at the Talbot Street residence.
“The Pine Bluff Police Department will not tolerate gang activity in our community,” police said in the release. “We will continue to aggressively investigate and hold those responsible accountable.”
An investigation is ongoing. Police ask anyone with additional information to contact the tip hotline at (870) 730-2106, detective office at (870) 730-2090 or dispatch at (870) 541-5300.